Amazon is bringing Alexa into the AI era: with Alexa+, the well-known voice assistant receives its biggest upgrade since launch. The new version understands natural conversations far better, remembers context, can handle more complex tasks and is designed to feel more like a personal assistant than a traditional voice command responder.
Alexa+ is now available in the UK as part of an Early Access programme*. But what exactly can this new AI-powered version do, which devices are supported, and how can you try Alexa+ right now?
What is Alexa+?
Alexa+ is the new AI-powered version of Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. Unlike the previous Alexa, which mainly responds to individual voice commands, Alexa+ uses generative AI to provide a much more natural conversational experience. Amazon positions Alexa+ as a personal assistant that not only answers questions, but can also actively carry out tasks.
In practical terms, this means:
- More natural conversations without rigid commands
- Better understanding of context and follow-up questions
- Context is maintained throughout the conversation
- Support for more complex tasks
- Smarter smart home management
- Personalised responses and suggestions
Instead of saying “Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes”, a more natural sentence such as “Alexa, remind me in ten minutes to take the pizza out of the oven” should work just as smoothly.
What can Alexa+ do?
Amazon expands Alexa+ far beyond traditional voice assistant features.
More natural conversations
Alexa+ understands normal conversations much better than before. You no longer need to use rigid voice commands or constantly repeat the wake word. Follow-up questions and topic changes should feel much more natural.
Handle tasks independently
Alexa+ is designed not just to provide information, but to take action as well. This includes tasks such as:
- Creating calendar appointments
- Controlling smart home devices
- Playing music or videos
- Creating reminders
- Managing shopping lists
- Integrating compatible services
Amazon mentions the following in the UK, among others:
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Apple Music
- Prime Video
- Audible
- OpenTable
- Ring
- Philips Hue
- Bosch
- Siemens
Smarter smart home control
Alexa+ could be especially appealing for smart home users.
Instead of individual commands like:
“Alexa, turn on the living room lights.”
more natural statements such as:
“I’m cold.”
Alexa+ may be able to infer from this that, for example, the heating should be adjusted. Controlling multiple devices in a single step should also become much easier.
More personalised use
Alexa+ remembers certain preferences and contexts better. This should allow for more personalised responses.
Examples:
- preferred music
- recurring routines
- typical smart home usage
- calendar context
How can you activate Alexa+ right now?
In the UK, Alexa+ is currently available as a free Early Access programme*. There are two ways to gain access:
1. Buy a new compatible Echo device
Amazon prioritises customers who purchase certain new devices.
These include:
- Echo Show 8
- Echo Show 11
- Echo Dot Max
- Echo Studio
2. Request an invitation
If you already own a compatible device, you can sign up for Early Access and wait for an invitation. The rollout is happening gradually, so immediate access is not guaranteed.
Which devices support Alexa+?
According to Amazon, Alexa+ is supported by most Echo devices. It should also be available on compatible Fire TV devices. A browser-based version is also planned or already available in other markets.
Generally compatible:
- many Echo speakers
- Echo Show devices
- selected Fire TV devices
- web browsers in future
- Alexa app
Important: not every older Alexa device will necessarily support all new features equally.
How much does Alexa+ cost?
Alexa+ is free during Early Access.
After that:
- Included at no extra cost for Prime members
- Without Prime: £19.99 per month in the UK
That clearly positions Alexa+ as an additional Prime benefit.
Which countries is Alexa+ available in?
Alexa+ first launched in the United States and has been rolling out internationally since 2026.
Currently available in Europe:
- Germany
- Austria
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Italy
France and the Netherlands are not included yet.
Is Alexa+ worth it?
For long-time Alexa users, Alexa+ sounds like a long-overdue generational leap. The combination of natural language, smart automation and tight Amazon integration is especially compelling. However, it remains to be seen how well Alexa+ performs in everyday use once it becomes widely available. As with most Early Access versions, some limitations and teething issues are still to be expected.
For Prime members, however, the upgrade could be especially attractive, since there will be no additional costs later on.
